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Campaign finance reformers list top NY donors

Advocates pushing for public campaign financing in the state budget say 170 “mega-donors” contributed more than half of the money that went to state-level candidates and party committees last year.

The New York Public Interest Research Group released the list of top donors Tuesday as advocates made an 11th hour plea at the Capitol for state leaders to address what they see as the dominant role of big money in New York politics.

Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders are negotiating behind closed doors on the budget due Monday.

Cuomo had proposed public financing in his budget, but it is opposed by Republicans.

NYPIRG says the 170 top donors contributed $28.2 million.

The donors include real estate developers, unions and major corporations.